Neat! 12 stylish tools to keep you tidy and trendy too

Organization motivation — for that perpetual "get on it" resolution!

Organization motivation — for that perpetual "get on it" resolution!

Samantha White · CBC Life · January 11

"Getting organized" is one of those things that tops most New Year's resolution lists. But few of us actually get excited by the prospect of using our free time to tend to our growing to-do lists and the pockets of mess spread throughout our homes. And let's be honest, unless finding the perfect spot to put that thing that's been collecting dust on your counter for a year pushes a particular button for you (if so, we salute you), looming resolutions may not be enough to get you off the couch when episodes of The Crown are calling. So, we pulled together a collection of helpful tools that are equal parts effective and aesthetically pleasing to make whole organization process a little bit sweeter — and keep you on track for those 2018 goals.

French fashion blogger and illustrator Garance Doré is known for bringing stylish, sophisticated women to life in her sketches, but she's taken things up a notch with her 2018 calendar by bringing abstract touches and quippy phrases into the mix. The result is a statement piece so pretty, you won't mind that it's taking up precious wall space or is actually there to keep your life in check.

Keeping your entryway organized is an eternal struggle — especially in the snowy season when hats, scarves, oversized parkas and slushy boots take over. This sleek, wooden shelving unit promises to change all that. Handmade in Manitoba, the rack comes in several different stains, so you can customize based on your existing furniture, and boasts multiple hooks, rails and shelves for storing just about anything that sits at your front door.

I know, I know, it's 2018 and you probably have a calendar app on your phone that works just fine, but carrying around this bright and cheery Octaevo agenda will undoubtedly add some pep to your day and make you feel a little better about taking on those tasks you've written down. The petite planner comes undated — so there's no shame if you miss a week or two — and offers special sections for notes and travel planning, meaning you can fill it with fun stuff in addition to all the appointments and meetings.

This gorgeous brown leather hanging rack with cream crosshatch detailing may be intended for storing stray wine bottles, but it can double as a chic closet cubby system, too. The pockets are wide enough to house shoes, scarves, belts or even delicates, and it makes an eye-catching alternative to those squeaky plastic ones from the container store.

The graphic neon sign trend is still going strong, and these colourful metal hooks bring that same energy while adding a layer of functionality. Featuring several hooks for hanging keys, headphones or anything else that contributes to clutter, you can opt for an expression of the sassy or sweet variety, depending on your mood. Or, get both, you complex human containing a multiplicity of emotions, you.

We all have that one room in our house that quickly turns into The Land of Misfit Knick Knacks, but this simple shadow box shelf is here to ensure that never happens again. Handmade in Toronto, the unit features pockets of all different sizes, fit for your unique collection of mementos and souvenirs, and puts them on display in an organized manner, so you can actually enjoy all your trinkets instead of sighing at the mess they create.

Weekend meal prep is one of those things that can fundamentally change your routine for the better if you can convince yourself to devote precious time to it on your days off. These pretty paper meal planning sheets adorned with Rifle Paper Co.'s signature florals promise to make getting in the habit a little bit sweeter. With slots for each daily meal, a place to build your grocery list and tear-off sheets to cover every week of the year, meal prep won't feel like a bore anymore.

This slick, wooden office organizer is a type-A individual's dream. Handcrafted from rosewood in Ontario, it boasts separate sections for large documents, pens, post-its, tape and even contains a clipboard for holding in loose papers. And when it's closed, you'd never guess that an entire desk's worth of mess fits inside, making it a must-have for anyone who can't see their work space under all that stuff anymore.

Perfect for a kid's room, this large drawstring storage bag is ideal for holding all your little one's favourite toys. Made from organic canvas and featuring house and key detailing, it's the one toy box cute enough that you won't have to shove it out of sight when company comes over.

Another antidote to the perpetually messy desk, this minimalist wall organizer combines two trendy home decor staples — geometric shapes and metallics — into a sleek spot for all those little things in your work space that lack a real home. Pick one up for your bedroom and office or, if you're feeling crafty, DIY our version instead.

Why allow all your pretty baubles to either stay hidden in box or sprawled across every free surface in your bedroom? This delicate, golden jewelry holder is artful enough to stand on its own, but looks even better with hoops and chains draped gently over it.

Whimsical and practical, these expressive cut-out storage boxes are cute for a kid's space or any room in your house that could use a little spunk. Made from smooth plywood with different pops of colour on each lid, they're perfect for holding shoes, toys or homework binders, and fit cleanly inside one another for easy storage when not in use.